Identity Theft Protection

Identity Theft Booklet
This booklet will provide victims with a list of resources and instructions when dealing with an identity theft situation. The Uwchlan Township Police Department will assist victims associated with this crime, but unfortunately, the victims themselves are burdened with resolving their own credit problems. Victims of identity theft must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage to their good name and credit history.

When dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, try to keep a log of all your conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. There will be a worksheet for your convenience when logging this contact information. There will also be an id theft affidavit supplied by the Federal Trade Commission, which has been adapted by all financial and credit institutions when filing fraudulent activities to your personal accounts.

Who to Contact
A police report must be filed with your local police department. Contact the fraud departments of each of the 3 major credit bureaus and report the theft. Ask that a fraud alert be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.

Fraudulently Opened Accounts
For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these accounts and put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security Number) on any new accounts you open.

Fraudulent Checks
To report fraudulent use of your personal checks, contact the following national checking agencies:

CheckRite: 800-766-2748

Chexsystems: 800-428-9623

CrossCheck: 800-843-0760

Certigy / Equifax: 800-437-5120

International Check: 800-526-5380

SCAN: 800-262-7771

TeleCheck: 800-710-9898

You must file a report with your local police department or the police department where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

Helpful Online Resources
Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338) to report the theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you on how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from ID theft. The identity theft hotline gives you 1 place to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information.

For more information, the following (non-profit) websites are great resources on identity theft: